New Humanities Institute will help UW faculty

UPDATE Aug. 23, 2013: The money available for grants was based on the promises of the previous University administration. Under President Robert Sternberg, a smaller amount of money will be made available for grants, and the next few months will see revisions to the Humanities Institute plan.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:

The newly created Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research will offer University of Wyoming faculty grant funding for long-term projects.

Founding director Eric Sandeen says the Institute has $60,000 to distribute this fall.

“It’s not just the money, it’s a sign of institutional commitment and appreciation for what the humanities do. So a little bit of money goes a long way in the humanities, and we should get some exciting results.

Projects could include exhibits, or lectures, or book proposals. Sandeen says the funding will put the spotlight on UW's humanities departments.

“So that people at the university and throughout the state can see what an extraordinary faculty we have and how many things are going on that are truly interesting and significant, beyond Wyoming into the U.S. and the world.”

Grant proposals are due by October 1, and winning grants will be awarded shortly thereafter.